Cost of living in Maryland
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Maryland are 5.0% above the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 105.0 (U.S. = 100), making it the #8 most expensive of 51 states and DC. Compare Maryland with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Maryland prices
- 7.5% cheaper
- Take-home in Maryland at $75,000
- $58,396$4,866 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $54,000$4,500 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- +14.1%+$7,593 a year in Maryland buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Maryland take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Maryland with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Maryland as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Maryland? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Maryland prices by category
| Category | Maryland | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 105.0 | +5.0% |
| Goods | 102.5 | +2.5% |
| Housing (rent) | 121.1 | +21.1% |
| Utilities | 110.9 | +10.9% |
| Other services | 101.6 | +1.6% |
Housing is the main reason Maryland costs more: rents run 21% above average. The overall price level rose 0.3% relative to the nation versus 2023 (104.6). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Maryland, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $9,654 | $40,346 | $38,440 | $47,638 |
| $75,000 | $16,604 | $58,396 | $55,637 | $71,456 |
| $100,000 | $25,204 | $74,796 | $71,262 | $95,275 |
At $75,000, Maryland ranks #44 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Maryland paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Maryland equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Maryland. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Maryland once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | −7.0% | $69,722 | $67,633 |
| Delaware | −4.9% | $71,319 | $71,601 |
| Virginia | −3.7% | $72,245 | $72,147 |
| West Virginia | −14.7% | $63,951 | $61,668 |
| Washington, DC | +4.7% | $78,531 | $79,936 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −17.2% | $62,122 | $59,624 |
| Mississippi | −17.2% | $62,134 | $59,549 |
| Iowa | −16.4% | $62,712 | $60,087 |
| Oklahoma | −16.3% | $62,770 | $60,841 |
| California | +5.5% | $79,117 | $81,215 |
| Hawaii | +4.8% | $78,567 | $81,163 |
| New Jersey | +3.7% | $77,748 | $78,204 |
| Texas | −7.5% | $69,354 | $64,492 |
| Florida | −1.5% | $73,896 | $69,234 |
| New York | +2.8% | $77,117 | $78,502 |
Moving from Maryland to a cheaper state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Maryland expensive to live in?
Maryland has a price level of 105.0 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 5.0% above the national average. It ranks #44 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Maryland?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $78,719 in Maryland before taxes. After Maryland taxes, $75,000 takes home $58,396 — worth $55,637 at U.S.-average prices, #44 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Maryland?
Maryland's housing price level is 121.1, meaning rents are 21.1% above the national average. Goods are 102.5 and utilities 110.9.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
West Virginia (price level 89.5, −14.7% vs Maryland). A $75,000 Maryland salary is equivalent to $61,668 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.